Statements on the retirement of Bonnie Watson Coleman

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) announced Monday that she will retire after six terms in Congress. New Jersey officials are thanking and celebrating Watson Coleman after her nearly three decades in the New Jersey Legislature and Congress:

Gov. Phil Murphy: “On behalf of a grateful state and nation, I want to thank my friend Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for more than 50 years of fearless service to the people of New Jersey.

From the New Jersey General Assembly to the halls of Congress, Bonnie has been a relentless champion for our nation’s working families. At every stage of her career, she has been a model of principled, progressive leadership — fighting to build a stronger economy, restore trust in our justice system, and end the scourge of poverty. And as the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in the House of Representatives, she has blazed a trail for generations of New Jerseyans.

I have been honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Bonnie in building an economy that works for all. Tammy and I send our love and deepest appreciation to her, her husband Bill, and their sons William, Jeff, and David. We wish Bonnie all the best as she completes her service in Congress and prepares for a well-deserved retirement.”

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill: “New Jersey is a better place today because of Bonnie Watson Coleman’s lifetime of service to our state and country. In the Assembly, as Chair of the Democratic Party, and as the first Black woman representing New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was guided by an unfailing belief that public service can truly make a difference in people’s lives, and that’s exactly what she did. Not only did Bonnie break barriers, she always fought to lift others up – creating economic opportunity so everyone has a shot to get ahead, improving Black maternal health, and advocating for a fairer justice system.

When I was first elected to Congress in 2018, Bonnie was the only other woman in the delegation, and I appreciated her mentorship and counsel over the years. While Bonnie’s voice will be missed in the halls of Congress, I have no doubt her leadership and guidance will continue to shape New Jersey for years to come.”

Senator Andy Kim: “Bonnie is a fighter. She was one of the first people who took me under her wing when I came to the House and showed me what it means to stand up for people who need a voice. What an extraordinary career in public service for NJ and the country. Thanks Bonnie!”

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch): “Bonnie Watson Coleman blazed trails for New Jersey. She leaves behind a legacy of fighting for working families, from securing paid leave in the General Assembly to her fight to expand health care for pregnant women, as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House from New Jersey. Bonnie’s fierce commitment to her constituents and warm smile will be deeply missed by myself, our delegation, and people across our country.”

Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden): “Congresswoman Watson Coleman has long been the moral compass of the New Jersey delegation.

I had the privilege of working alongside her in the New Jersey General Assembly, where her commitment to doing what’s right, not what’s easy, set her apart.

She’s a fighter who has served New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District with honor, and I will deeply miss working alongside her to fight for working families.”

Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City): “Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is the conscience of our New Jersey delegation. From the moment she made history as the first Black woman to represent our state in Congress, she has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for every single New Jerseyan.

Bonnie has broken barriers, championed working families, and led with an unwavering belief that government can and should work to improve the lives of everyone we have the privilege to represent. Her voice has – and will always be – a steady reminder that we have an obligation to ensure that progress reaches those in our communities who need it the most.

Bonnie has been a dear friend, confidant and one of my greatest mentors since coming to Congress. Her guidance has shaped me as a lawmaker and as a person. I’ve leaned on her guidance and learned from the example she sets every day for what leadership should be – rooted in service and driven by a fierce love of the New Jersey communities we so proudly serve. Her presence in Congress will be deeply missed, but her legacy will endure in the lives she’s touched and the strong future for our state she’s shaped and helped build for all of us.

Thank you for your service, Congresswoman. It’s been an honor to serve alongside you and I look forward to getting into more good trouble with you over the next 13 months.”

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly): “Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman has dedicated herself to public service and to improving the lives of Jersey families. Bonnie not only broke barriers as the first African-American woman to represent New Jersey in the House, but has also never stopped fighting for the core belief that we must support our hard-working families and ensure that our children can succeed.

From fighting to stop credit discrimination to improving New Jersey’s infrastructure and helping lower costs, Bonnie has never stopped fighting for Jersey families. I’ve been proud to work with Bonnie to deliver real results for Jersey and our country. I am wishing Bonnie and her family all the best as she closes this incredible chapter in her career.”

State Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones Jr.: “The Watson family has long been a political dynasty in New Jersey and Bonnie Watson Coleman’s trailblazing career has only helped burnish that sterling reputation through her unwavering dedication to public service.

It is fitting that Bonnie has chosen this moment, less than a week after New Jersey elected the first Democratic woman to serve as governor, to announce that she will not be seeking reelection after her term ends.

Bonnie’s historic achievements in becoming the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee before being elected the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in the United States Congress will certainly never be forgotten. Her achievements will be passed down in history books and, more importantly, they will be cited around kitchen tables and in family living rooms in communities everywhere as a reminder that barriers that can be broken and dreams can be realized.

The Congresswoman has always been, first and foremost, a voice for the voiceless, and always among the first in line in the fight to protect our democracy. I know she is going to spend these next 13 months just as she has served over the previous five decades: standing up to President Trump and the MAGA movement and fighting every day to improve the lives of every family throughout the Twelfth Congressional district and the nation

Passaic County Democratic Chairman and former State Democratic Chairman John Currie: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Bonnie for decades, and I was blessed to know her father, John Watson, who mentored me early in my public service journey. I will never forget the meals Bonnie and I shared at her family’s kitchen table, where talk of justice, service, and giving back to the community was not just conversation. These were values being lived and passed on.

Bonnie has carried that legacy with grace, courage, and conviction. She shattered barriers as the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, but just as importantly, she always led with her heart, fighting for working families, civil rights, and fairness at every turn.

Her retirement marks the end of a historic chapter. Still, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders, especially young women and girls of color, who see in her a role model of what’s possible.

We thank her for her service, and we honor her for the extraordinary difference she’s made in the lives of so many across our state and our nation.”

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way: “For over 25 years, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a true champion for the people of New Jersey, leading with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice and equality.

As the first African American woman from New Jersey to serve in the U.S. Congress, Representative Watson Coleman broke barriers and inspired countless individuals across our state and nation. She has been unwavering in her dedication to fairness, dignity, and advancing the common good.

It was a true honor to have the Congresswoman administer my oath of office when I was sworn in as Director of the Passaic County Commissioner Board. We thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for her extraordinary service, visionary leadership, and lasting legacy.”

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin: “Few have fought harder for fairness, equity, and decency than Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. For decades, she has been a tireless champion for working people across New Jersey —someone who has never wavered in her belief that government should be a force for good and that every person deserves dignity and opportunity.

She has been an inspiration and a model for what public service can and should be: principled, compassionate, and rooted in a deep commitment to justice. Beyond her extraordinary record of leadership, she has also been a mentor and friend to me. She has always genuinely cared about doing the right thing and has lifted up others along the way.

Congresswoman Watson Coleman’s legacy will continue to shape New Jersey and our nation for generations to come. I am beyond grateful [to] her for her decades of service to our state.”

Senate President Nick Scutari: “Bonnie Watson Coleman was a true trailblazer who made history as the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in the halls of Congress. Her career of selfless public service in Washington and Trenton will continue to be an inspiration for others. Her passion for principled progress, her compassion for the needs of the disadvantaged, and her fierce desire to ensure justice and equality for everyone defined a remarkable career of achievement. Bonnie was a fighter with a conscience who made a lasting impact on the communities she served and in the lives of the people of New Jersey and the nation. I extend my gratitude to Bonnie for her service and wish her all the best in retirement.”

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin: “Bonnie Watson Coleman has served the people of New Jersey well. From her nearly two decades in the General Assembly to her time served in Congress, she’s been a fierce advocate for working families, social justice, and the communities that too often were left without a seat at the table. She led by example – making history as the first woman of color to represent New Jersey in Congress. That milestone was only the continuation of a career defined by opening doors for others.

New Jersey, and our nation, are better off today because of her service. While she may not be seeking reelection, her legacy will surely guide and inspire the work we all do and believe in for generations to come. It has been an honor to serve alongside her, and I wish her all the best in the days ahead.”

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson: “Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is an extraordinary leader, and I would like to express my gratitude for the nearly three decades of faithful service that she has given to Mercer County, New Jersey, and our nation. I have always been impressed by the Congresswoman’s knowledge, her passion, and her dedication to lifting up the least among us. I’ve been proud to work alongside her since our time as colleagues in the State Assembly, and over these last two years as County Executive I’ve been proud to partner with her to deliver for Mercer residents, from the upgrades at Trenton-Mercer Airport to the replacement of the Lincoln Avenue Bridge in Trenton.

When you’re in public service the work is never complete. I know that the Congresswoman did not reach this decision lightly, and that, as always, she was guided by her faith and by her dedication to those she represents. I look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with her during the coming year, and I know that even as a private citizen she will continue to be a powerful voice for the good of our community.”

State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick): “It is difficult to overstate the impact Bonnie Watson Coleman has had on New Jersey and on our nation. She is a true trailblazer, a historic figure who shattered barriers each and every day.

But her legacy is defined not by the history she made, but by the battles she fought. Bonnie has been on the front lines, armed with facts, principle, and an absolute refusal to back down—an unwavering, powerful, and effective voice for those who too often go unheard.

On a personal level, she has been a friend and mentor from the moment we first met at a CD12 candidate forum in 2014. I may have been a newcomer, but she made me feel at ease and welcome the moment I sat down next to her and throughout that campaign. That’s who she is and who she has always been.

While I will profoundly miss her voice and her leadership in Washington, her retirement is so well-deserved. Her legacy is not just in the laws she passed, but in the generations of leaders she has inspired. I want to thank her for her incredible service to our state and to our nation.”

State Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union): “Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a trailblazer, making history as the first African American woman to serve as Democratic State Chair and to represent New Jersey in the United States Congress, and the historical significance of her accomplishments will only increase with time.

I’ve known Bonnie for a number of years and had the opportunity to succeed her as State Chair while also serving with her in the Legislature. Her tenacity and integrity were unparalleled, and her total dedication to responsible and effective government have served as a barometer for the entirety of her career.

Bonnie’s legacy of service to the people of New Jersey has been a testament to her tremendous work ethic and sense of responsibility and her retirement will leave a tremendous void. Whoever has the privilege to next serve the people of the 12th Congressional district will have their work cut out for them, but they will also have a guide on the best way to do the job.”

Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy (D-Hamilton): “Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is a trailblazer, a mentor, and the moral compass for so many of us who serve. As the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, her leadership has opened doors and changed lives across our state—especially here in the communities we share. From Trenton to Monroe Township and across the 12th District, her voice has been steadfast for working families, seniors, and those too often left out of the conversation. We are grateful for her decades of service and the standard she set for servant leadership.

On behalf of the 14th Legislative District—including Trenton, Hamilton, East Windsor, Hightstown, Robbinsville, Cranbury, Jamesburg, Plainsboro, and Monroe Township—I thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for her partnership, her friendship, and her sisterhood through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her grace, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our community have inspired generations of women in public service. We wish her and her family peace and joy in this next chapter, and we will honor her legacy by continuing the work.”

Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (D-East Brunswick): “As one of the Assemblymen entrusted with representing the 18th legislative district and a proud resident of East Brunswick, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible service that Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has provided us with as she represented East Brunswick in the halls of Congress. As the first African-American woman elected to represent the State of New Jersey in Congress and a proven fighter for New Jersey families, Rep. Watson Coleman has established herself in our hearts and minds as a titan of public service and a champion for the constituents that we are so proud to call our neighbors and fellow community members. While we will certainly lose an incredible representative through her retirement, I am confident that the incredible legacy that Rep. Watson Coleman has established throughout her career will sustain the legacy she has built for years to come.”

Trenton Councilwoman Jennifer Williams: “Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is a legend and one who will always be remembered for her passion, compassion, and determination in serving her constituents in Trenton and beyond. As a constituent myself, and now as a Councilwoman, I can attest to her commitment to help our city and as things have headed nationally – for all people. Assemblywoman and then Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and her various staffs did their best to serve our capital city and I am thankful for that. I wish her a long and happy retirement with her family at the end of this last term.”

Former Assemblyman Jamel Holley: “I thank Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for her decades of trailblazing service to New Jersey and our nation. As the first Black woman to represent us in Congress and a fearless voice for justice, equity, and progress, she has left an indelible mark on the 12th District and beyond. From her historic leadership in the State Assembly to her principled stand on criminal justice, health equity, and peace, Bonnie has embodied courage and conviction. Her decision to pass the torch reflects the same wisdom and selflessness that defined her career. We honor her legacy by continuing the fight. Thank you, Bonnie, for your mentorship, your fire, and your faith in a better tomorrow. New Jersey is stronger because of you.”

Civil Rights leader Jeannine LaLue: “Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s journey—from the daughter of trailblazing Assemblyman John S. Watson to becoming the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress—is a story of courage, conviction, and faith. She carried her family’s legacy of service with grace and expanded it with her own powerful vision for justice and equality.  As she steps into retirement, we don’t just thank her for what she’s done—we thank her for who she is. Her warmth, her wit, her fierce love for people, and her unshakable belief that government can be a force for good have touched lives far beyond her district lines.  Bonnie Watson Coleman’s legacy is not confined to legislation; it lives in the hope she’s inspired, the doors she’s opened, and the courage she’s passed on to all who follow. She leaves Congress as she entered public life—with dignity, purpose, and a heart full of love for her community and her country. And…as Bonnie looks in the rear-view mirror of her decade in Congress, she can not only say, ‘Yes, we can.’ She will say, ‘Yes, we did.’ Because Bonnie took us all on the floor of Congress with her. I pray that her successor will follow in her footsteps and do the same.”

Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer: “I stand deeply honored to celebrate Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman — a historic trailblazer, the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, and one of the most progressive and prophetic voices of our time. For Trenton, for Black New Jersey, and for all vulnerable communities, she has been a fierce advocate and unwavering champion.  Congresswoman Watson Coleman has represented my church, my family, and our people with integrity and courage. Together, we have worked on the Black Agenda, criminal justice reform, a myriad of progressive policies, and most recently, this latest gubernatorial election. Her leadership has always been rooted in justice, equity, and truth. She pushed back against the forces of division and stood boldly against Trump-era policies, reminding us what moral clarity looks like in public service.  For me personally, she has been and will always remain a political matriarch. Her stern warnings, wise guidance, mentorship, and molding have shaped how I understand the sacred responsibility of Black leadership. She has taught us that leadership is not about titles but about service, sacrifice, and speaking truth to power.  As she enters this new season, I am deeply saddened yet profoundly grateful. I wish her all of God’s blessings and favor as she continues to lead in ways that transcend elected office. We will follow her example, her vision, and her unwavering commitment to justice — because her legacy is not ending; it is expanding.  Thank you, Congresswoman Watson Coleman, for such a time as this. Your voice has been a gift to history, and your impact will echo for generations.”

State Senator Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch):  “My friend Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman will go down in New Jersey history as one of the all time legends. She fought tirelessly for her constituents and spoke loudly for our most vulnerable residents. During her career as a state legislator, Assembly Majority Leader, State Democratic Chair and as a member of Congress, she always led with integrity and dedication. Thank you BWC for all you have done to lift so many people up. ”

This article will be updated.